Improvement in flexible vertically-extensible attachments for boats



l. R. ADA M 8. Flexible Vertieally Extensible Attach ments for Boats.

Patented September 23, 1873;

Witnesses:

Attorneys.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN R. ADAMS, or OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.

IMPROVEMENT IN FLEXIBLE VERTICALLY-EXTENSIB LE ATTACHMENTS FOR BOATS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 143,052, datedSeptember 23, 1873; application filed July 12, 1873.

ports which carry the top and side covering.

Similar letters of reference indicate corre sponding parts.

The object of my invention is to improve the life-boats in such a mannerthat they protect the passengers more fully against the sun, waves, orrain, by means of a simple and detachable arrangement to the boat, whichcan be quickly put up and conveniently stored away. My inventionconsists in providing the life-boat with upright supports, which carry atop and side covering, attached in suitable manner to it.

A in the drawing represents a life-boat of the usual construction, towhich the upright supports B are either hinged, so as to turn down intoa recess of the top rail of the boat, or set into holes, to be taken outand bundled together for storing them away. The supports B are placed atbow and stern, and at suitable distance between them. An adjustablehook, a, slides along the same for taking up the side covering 0, forwhich purpose the inside of the support B is provided with notches bnear the top end, which serve as rest for the hook a. The pin-shapedends of supports B fit into holes of the lateral pieces D, which areslightly arched and attached in suitable manner to top cover E, which ismade of suitable water-proof canvas. The bow and stern supports B havehook-shaped ends, by which they hold and stretch tightly the cover E.The side covering 0 is of the same material as top E, and riveted orotherwise applied along the outer top rails of the boat A. When not inuse it is rolled up and secured by straps or cords d, to be quicklydisconnected, and, after unrollin g and stretching, be hung to hooks a.Its upper edge is strengthened by suitable lining, or provided with eyesfor the hooks, as may be found most convenient.

When the sea is heavy the side covering will add a great deal to thesafety of the persons in the boat by keeping the water out, that wouldotherwise fill and sink the boat. It protects also, together with thetop, against the wind, heat, and rain, and may therefore be a means ofsaving many who would otherwise perish by the exposure.

The top cover E can easily be rolled up and stored away in someconvenient place of the boat, if not needed, so that not too much roomis occupied by it, though a great deal is added to the safety andefficiency of the lifeboat.

. Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent The upright supports B having adjustable hooksa and notches I) combined with lateral pieces D having top and sidecoverings O E, as and for thepurpose described.

JOHN RESOO ADAMS.

Witnesses:

E. MUELLER,

J OHN W. SEssroNs.

